Secret teacher: Issue 97

Checklist of evidence used for GCSE Drama? Check. Checklist of evidence used for A Level Drama and Theatre? Check. Candidate cover sheets listing evidence used? Check. Pile of evidence for each candidate including all the marked mock exams, completed NEAs that we managed and final assessments? Check. Unconscious bias? Guidelines checked and followed. Box folders to put all the evidence in? Check. Pile of expensive, decent sized USBs to store all the filmed practical work? Check. Reassurance from the exam board about what format I should save all this in? Well, not yet … so do I start to plan when I can scan all these essays in so they will be in the current recommended electronic format?

I feel very sorry for my exams officer.

As someone who has worked for exam boards for many years, I remember that I used to get paid extra for doing this stuff, so I wonder where all that money is going this summer? I have heard something about reduced rates from exam boards, but I cannot seem to find any moderators or markers who have been employed this year to check any of this stuff if it gets called for. I was also greatly entertained by those who said Year 11 should not have study leave this year. They have actually finished their courses, and my lot would like to have a break from six weeks of continuous assessments. No exams this year? Really? I look hopefully in the post for the thank-you cheque from the exam board for doing their job. I always promised myself I wouldn't turn into one of those teachers who complains about marking load, but it has gone a bit excessive over the last few weeks.

On a positive note, I am hoping all this finally sounds, at last, the death knell for GCSEs, as we seem, by accident, to have proved that we do not need them at all. A basic certification for Maths and English only at 16 and then exams at 18. I wait patiently for the first public or private school to break ranks and say they will not be doing GCSEs any more and will focus on appropriate exams at 18. Once one goes, it will only be a matter of time. I start taking bets on who will go first. Eton College would be useful.

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